On his latest solo release entitled “Palmystery” (on the Cleveland-basedHeads Up label), the Béla Fleck bassist explores a variety of sonic textures without displaying an ounce of pretension as he does it. On “I Saw God,” fellow bassist Richard Bona contributes his trademark vocals (and percussion) on a tune that mixes both Afro-inspired and Gospel influences in one seamless package, while “2 Timers” is pure, finger-twisting modern jazz that switches the timing back and forth, clearly challenging the musicians as they go along. “The Lesson” features Roy Wooten, who adds handclaps and a few beats on the cajón, an instrument commonly used in Latin music. New York-based guitarist Mike Stern guests on “Sifu,” which draws inspiration from Latin and acid jazz. More recently, Wooten collaborated with Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller on a disc appropriately called “Thunder” (also on Heads Up), a stroke of genius that came to fruition after the three musicians shared the stage during a 2007 jazz festival in New York. Like Clarke and Miller, Victor Wooten is one of these rare talents that you don’t get to hear too often. His grooves have a unique feel, which can always be appreciated regardless if he is billed as a leader or a sideman—and we’re glad to have him around. (Ernest Barteldes)
March 12 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall,50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, (847)491-5441, 4pm. Free.
Cooling It: A Preview of Colleen Green at Cole’s Bar When Green strums power chords or chiming notes on top of her backing track, you might think you’re at Ramones karaoke night and Madonna is taking her turn.
Brutal Finesse: A Preview of King Crimson at Ravinia There have been few new compositions from King Crimson these past two decades, but the live arrangements of songs from its catalog are often strikingly different than the recorded versions.
